Disease
Ureterocele
What Is a Ureterocele?
A ureterocele is a congenital (present from birth) condition in which the distal end of the ureter — the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder — swells like a balloon as it enters the bladder. This swelling creates a pouch or sac that may block the flow of urine, leading to various urinary complications.
Causes of Ureterocele
- Congenital abnormality (most common)
- Duplicate ureters (two ureters coming from one kidney)
- Narrow or obstructed ureteral opening
- Rarely, acquired causes due to chronic inflammation
Symptoms
Symptoms can vary depending on age and severity, but common signs include:
- Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Painful urination or burning sensation
- Abdominal or flank pain
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Poor urine stream or urinary obstruction
- Incontinence (in some pediatric cases)
- In severe cases, kidney swelling (hydronephrosis)
Diagnosis
A ureterocele is typically diagnosed through imaging tests such as:
- Ultrasound
- Voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG)
- Intravenous pyelogram (IVP)
- CT scan or MRI (in complex cases)
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the size and symptoms of the ureterocele and may include
- Endoscopic puncture (minimally invasive procedure to drain the ureterocele)
- Surgical reconstruction (ureteral reimplantation or excision)
- Antibiotics for infection management
- In severe cases, partial removal of the kidney (heminephrectomy) if damage is extensive
Diagnosis
PUJO is usually diagnosed through imaging tests such as:
- Ultrasound
- CT Urography
- MRI Urography
- Renal scan (DTPA or MAG3) to assess kidney function and drainage
Treatment Options:
Treatment depends on severity:
- Mild cases may just need observation.
- Severe or symptomatic PUJO often requires surgery.
The standard surgical treatment is:
- Pyeloplasty: A procedure to remove the narrowed section and reconnect the healthy ends to restore urine flow.
